Mullin's Nutella Ganache Pie With Fresh Strawberries

Nutella Ganache Pie With Fresh Strawberries

Yield: 8 servings

Prep Time: 3 hr

Ready In: 3 hr

Level: Easy

Ingredients:

Jar of Nutella

1 Graham Cracker Crust Pie Shell

About 15-20 extra large strawberries (if yours aren’t as large as mine you will need about 30-35 large)

1 can of fat free (sugar free) Redi Whip

Steps:

 Freeze the unopened graham cracker crust pie in freezer for about 1-2 hours. For the Nutella Ganache you will spread one layer of nutella all over the bottom of the frozen graham cracker crust. Freeze for 1 hour.

 

  Next you will take your strawberries and place them all around the outside edge of the pie and work your way in until the last strawberry you place is in the center.  Refrigerate for 20 mins.

 

  Finally you will cut the pie in half and then into 8 sections and lift pie piece and place on plate and top with Redi Whip.  

  Enjoy!  I created this recipe myself because of my love for Nutella, our Oxnard Fresh Strawberries and the graham cracker crust.  Would you be interested in making this recipe?     

Picture Keeper Giveaway! US only!

I have teamed up with Charisma Media Network, Beauty Brite and a few of my blogger friends to bring our readers the Picture Keeper Giveaway! This giveaway is for Picture Keeper PK-4. (RV: $29.99).

To read more about Picture Keeper, check out Beauty Brite’s review.

Avocado Pie with Agave Nectar

I usually don't give out our secret recipes but this one is too good to not give out for friends and readers.   It's so simple and so good for you!  If you use agave nectar you are doing much better than using sugar, or honey.  So I would suggest the agave!




If you love avocados, you'll love this recipe!  This is a no-bake pie.  And you can let your little ones help you or your husband like I had my husband make the whole thing while I snapped pictures of him having a good time!


INGREDIENTS:


1 (9-inch) prepared graham cracker crust
2 avocadoes (peel them, pit and puree)
1/8 cup agave nectar
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 (5 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk (LIGHT!)

DIRECTIONS:
1.  In a medium mixing bowl combine avocado, agave nectar, lemon juice, and condensed milk.  

2. In a blender... mix all these ingredients and pour into shell.

3. Smooth over with a spatula.

4.  Chill before serving.

5.  Garnish with whipped topping and your favorite fruit!  We grow strawberries year-round in Oxnard so this is what we use! Enjoy!

CAREX Reusable Flexible Cold Pack Back Pad GIVEAWAY!

I'd like to say from the start that I am not being compensated nor reimbursed for the products that I bought for myself to review here and yet the company has so kindly provided a gift for a winner from the following giveaway!  This giveaway is for the USA only.

Thank you Carex Health Brands!

I have spent years trying to find a proper cold pack for my back since 1996 (when I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and Osteoporosis).  I found the small Ace ones that can either go in the freezer or microwave and bought 2 of those.  I also made my own cups of ice that my husband would peel the sides down and run across my back while laying on the bed on a towel with a hand towel to clean up the water mess on my back and many homemade trials and errors of cold therapy.  

Even in physical therapy for all those years they gave me the home versions of the same thing but this year I found the Carex (Thera-Med) Back Pad which is reusable/flexible cold pack for my back!  It's WONDERFUL!  It's so wonderful that I bought 2 of them so I could have one on while the other one is in the freezer.  

I use these in two ways.  One way is lie face down on the bed and have it on my back.  If you have two, you could cover more areas.  Or I also use my back brace and I wear the cold pack on the outside of a shirt or night gown (something cotton) and then strap the pack onto my back by using the ace bandage that I bought years ago to go around my back and velcro in the front.  I'm sure that you can find anything really to make like the ace that I use.   I'm not promoting ace in this review because quite frankly the product is not very good.  

How would you like to win one of the two packs that I have now and I'm saving one for the month of June for another giveaway!  Well all you have to do is use the RAFFLECOPTER sheet that follows on READ MORE and join the pages and write a comment and you will qualify to win this fantastic item!  Good luck and please write to me and tell me how you like it.  

If you would like to buy one or more of these then please go to CAREX PRODUCT AT AMAZON.COM or WALMART or WALMART.COM.

This will cost me quite a bit to ship as the package weighs 2 lbs. 3 ounces but I'm willing to cover the cost of the shipping in THIS giveaway because I'm really wanting to share this with someone who is in great need of one.   

 “This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook”.

Summer Amazon Gift Card Blowout!

 Oh yeah! We did it again! This time Acadiana's Thrifty Mom has teamed up with SaleCamel to bring you a super-D-duper giveaway for 3 amazon.com gift cards! Yes, 3 lucky winners will each win a $200 Amazon gift card! Be sure to finish all the entries so you increase your chances of winning! This giveaway runs from April 30 until May 21. This giveaway is sponsored by SaleCamel and hosted by Acadiana's Thrifty Mom and Baby Coupons & Stuff. Enter the simple rafflecopter form below.  GOOD LUCK!This giveaway will be open to U.S. residents only. You must be 18 years old to enter to win. This giveaway is, in no way, affiliated with Facebook.

How to Save Money Writing and Coloring Contest

Saving money is not just about adults using coupons when they go to the grocery. It's way more than that. Just ask the kids! With gas prices rising, food costing more at the grocery and the price of living always getting higher, many families are talking about saving money. Now it's time for the kids to share their knowledge and get a shot at winning some great prizes.

Spring 2012 How to Save Money Writing & Coloring Contest

Coloring Contest

• For all kids age 3-5 who haven't mastered their writing skills.
• Download the coloring picture here or here  
• Create your best colorful masterpiece.
• Take a picture or have your parents scan it in.
• Email your picture here

Writing Contest

Theme: Kids must give their best ideas for how they can save money in their real life. We all know that you can use a coupon from newspaper. Be creative. Think outside of the box. How else can you save money?

• For all Kids age 6-12
• Entry must be at least 5 full sentences (no more than 250 words)
• Must be handwritten and legible (not typed!)
• Once you have it done, take a picture or have your parents scan it in to the computer.
• Email your picture here.

Contest will run from April 1 - 30, 2012.

ALL Participants will recieve a printable certificate of participation in their parent's email box once the contest is completed.

What will happen to these entries?

Starting in May, each entry will be randomly featured on the participating blogs all over the country. Who knows? Your child may have his entry be read my thousands of people who want to know ways to save money.

Why is this contest so important?

Our kids need to learn now that saving money is not just a necessity; it can also be fun, cool and rewarding. I want our 3 kids to grow up being financially intelligent and responsible. I want them to avoid making the same mistakes that many of us have made.

Teachers: Feel free to use this contest as a writing prompt in your class. We all know how important writing skills are. This is a great opportunity to motivate them and offer them tangible rewards!

Let’s all work together to help our kids learn ways to save money in their real life!

Click here to see all the cool prizes!

Adults can win a prize too!!! We know that the kids can't do this contest without you. Click here to enter!

***Both coloring sheet piggy bank images were drawn by Sheila McCoy just for this contest! Thanks Mrs. Sheila!!!

Peace Pilgrim Book and Booklet's Review and Giveaway

I am sharing the giveaway of the BOOK, "Peace Pilgrim" and the booklet by Peace Pilgrim called, "Steps Toward Inner Peace," with separate winners!  I am sharing the book with one winner and then the three booklets with three separate winners.

Be sure to have done all the MANDATORY items on there and write what the comment question is about and please NO email addresses in the comments.  I don't want you spammed by someone who may come trolling looking for addresses to spam.  You never know who is reading this.  Thanks for understanding.

Peace Pilgrim (July 18, 1908 – July 7, 1981) born Mildred Lisette Norman, was an American pacifist, vegetarian, and peace activist. In 1952, she became the first woman to walk the entire length of the Appalachian Trail in one season. Starting on January 1, 1953, in Pasadena, California, she adopted the name "Peace Pilgrim" and walked across the United States for 28 years. A transcript of a 1964 conversation with Peace Pilgrim from a broadcast on KPFK radio in Los Angeles, California, was published as "Steps Toward Inner Peace". She stopped counting miles in that year, having walked more than 40,000 km (25,000 mi) for peace.

Early life

Mildred Norman Ryder was born on a poultry farm in Egg Harbor City, New Jersey, in 1908, the oldest of three children. Her mother, Josephine Marie Ranch, was a tailor, and her father, Ernest Norman, a carpenter. Although poor, the family were well-thought-of in a community of German immigrants, whose relatives originally settled the area after escaping Germany in 1855.  In 1933 she eloped with Stanley Ryder and moved to Philadelphia in 1939. They divorced in 1946.

Pilgrimage

Her pilgrimage spanned almost three decades beginning January 1, 1953, in Pasadena, California. The Korean War was in progress. She continued walking for 28 years, spanning the American involvement in the Vietnam War and beyond. Peace Pilgrim was a frequent speaker at churches, universities, and local and national radio and television.

Source
Just go to this link for the Rafflecopter and Comments:  http://doingrandomactsofkindness.blogspot.com/2012/04/peace-pilgrim-book-and-booklets-review.html

Lasagna Cupcakes!

 LASAGNA CUPCAKES 

These are fantastic and I can tell you that once you've made them, you will be hooked!

Lay out all the ingredients that you will need ahead of time. My picture shows the bottom of the tins lined with the first wonton circle wrapper.

 INGREDIENTS:

•  1 cup marinara sauce
• 1/2 lb. ground beef or turkey (we prefer the turkey, less oil)
• 1 pkg wonton wrappers
• 8 ounces shredded mozzarella
• 3 ounces shredded Parmesan cheese
• 4 ounces Ricotta cheese
• (optional) dried parsley

First layer of wonton wrappers, cheeses, meat and marinara sauce.

DIRECTIONS:

1.  Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2.  Brown beef or turkey and season with salt-free seasoning.

3.  The above is a picture of John (my husband) doing the next step:  Cut wonton wrappers (about 36 of them for a 12-section cupcake tin) into circle shapes using a biscuit cutter (recommended) or the top of a plastic drinking glass.  John used the top of a plastic drinking glass and that worked well too. 

4.  Reserve 6 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese and 6 tablespoons of mozzarella cheese for the top of your cupcakes.  Start layering your lasagna cupcakes.  Begin with a wonton wrapper and press it into  the bottom of each muffin tin.  Sprinkle a little Parmesan cheese, Ricotta cheese, and mozzarella cheese.  Top with a little meat and marinara sauce.  Use 1-2 tsp. or less of all of the ingredients depending on your personal preference.  

5.  Repeat layers ending with marinara sauce.  Top with one final wonton wrapper and the Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese.  This is better than ending with sauce on the top which will splatter all over the oven and cupcake tin.  

6. Top with dried parsley.  The picture below shows what your cupcakes should look like when they are ready to go into the oven.

7.  Bake for 18-20 minutes or until edges are brown.  Remove from oven and let cook for 5 minutes.  To remove use a (plastic) knife to loosen the edges and then a large spoon to pop each lasagna out. 

Time to recycle and reuse styrofoam!

The above symbol is what many of us are looking for under, on the side of, on the back many of our products today.  Why?  Because we don't want to fill our earth with products that years and years to break down.  For some people this is a tiresome task but that's because they've not established a habit of recycling.  

Here in California we've been recycling for many, many years. This is a of necessity for a number of states and for other states they are just coming into this need.  And in this article we're focusing on that item that seems like it will just never go away...  STYROFOAM.  You can find recycling centers for Styrofoam at Earth911.com.

Read more: Can Styrofoam Food Containers Be Recycled? | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/facts_5791156_can-styrofoam-food-containers-recycled_.html#ixzz1suIWFdiv

Here where I live in Southern California, there is "recyclable  styrofoam."  Yes, it's true.  And I have a picture to show you of just two products that are made of styrofoam that are recyclable and one of plastic (that might easily get overlooked) because many people are still not able to recycle many forms of plastic yet because their states don't have the resources at this time.

In the above photo I've outlined and circled the recycle symbol on these products.  One is a plastic container that had cotton candy in it for Easter.  I love love love cotton candy so I had a number of these and told my husband that I would be able to reuse the containers because they are recyclable!  And those egg cartons, well this one is Eggland's Best and is recyclable.

For my reuse of these products (just in case your styrofoam is not recyclable) I am showing the following picture and will describe to you some excellent reuse.

In the cotton candy plastic container I put some rubber stamps (also the small pads fit nicely into another container.) I have bins for crafts but I always know that I'll be adding to my craft projects with items that I need so I save my containers that are sturdy for that use. 

In the egg container I can fill the sections with potting soil and then plant some seeds.  Now mind you, I cannot transfer the entire section right into the earth of my garden because they are not biodegradable in the garden. 

Here are some other articles on the Internet about "reusing" styrofoam and how to recycle it in California!

• http://www.ehow.com/way_5708060_ways-reuse-styrofoam.html
•  http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf/Green_Living/Reusing/Reusing-Styrofoam.html
•  http://www.wikihow.com/Reuse-Styrofoam
•  http://www.livestrong.com/article/201685-ways-to-reuse-styrofoam/
•  http://www.stevespangler.com/experiment-of-the-week/how-to-reduce-reuse-recycle-styrofoam/
•  http://www.ehow.com/how_8507365_recycle-styrofoam-california.html

Maybe you have a blog entry about the reusing of styrofoam and would like to share it?  Which of these ideas is most interesting and do-able for you?

Happy Earth Day every day!

Earth Day! Recycle Water!

Recycle your water when waiting for cold water and dog water!

I have long been one to promote the recycling of water.  Here's how I have done this in my home and with my husband.  One way is to place a bucket in the shower.  When the water is running before you get into the shower, collect that water in a bucket and then use the water for your dog bowl and for your garden!

Another way to collect water is when you are running water in your sink and waiting for it to heat up.  We put the plant waterer (as seen in the above picture on the right-hand side) and then we use that water for houseplants and container gardens on the porch.  We also use that water for the dog water bowl which we change in three rooms of the house daily.

And the final way that I have to share with you is what you can do with the left-over water from your dog's bowl.  I put that in my bucket and water the garden or into the container gardens.  The flowers and herbs don't know that your dog drank out of that water and it's a great way to save water.

If this has helped you in some way, please use the comment section to share what you learned or add another way to recycle water!   Happy Earth Day!

Photo used with permission.  Click on picture or these words for information on how to start container gardening.

Pambra Review and Giveaway!

I was very interested in trying out Pambra because the product was referred to me from a friend.  Pamela has been super supportive and helpful to me along the way.  She's the creator of the Pambra.  This is my review and product giveaway!  The winner of the giveaway will need to write to me in private giving me her bra size and then I will contact Pamela and she will mail the one package of three bra liners to the winner!

I like to walk the one mile of beach each morning with my husband and dog, but what I don't like is the sweaty bra that happens as a result of the walk.  So I started out wearing my bra liner on my walk and then advanced to wearing it anytime I wore my bra because one of the key advantages of wearing it is that you don't have to wash your bra as much!  I'm all in favor of doing that.  

Pambra is made in the USA!  The design advantages are:

• Effectively absorbs perspiration between and under breasts and extends the usage of the bra.
• Keeps skin drier to prevent chaffing and irratation.
• Prevents wetness from seeping onto brassieres and clothing
• Thin, comfortable and inconspicuous when worn.

Pambra is easy to wash and wear again!  I would encourage you to buy two packages (as I did after the initial trial package for reviewing.)  Machine washable warm and tumble dry low.  Never use bleach.  

Part of the rafflecopter to win the product is to join the their facebook page and twitter page.  And to join my Conversations with Carolyn facebook page and to write why you would like to win the Pambra in the comment section of this blog entry.  The only people who will be eligible to win are the ones who have done ALL of those steps.  DO NOT post your email address or home mailing address in the comment section of this blog entry or your bra size.  Those comments that have that information will be removed and not eligible to win.  Thank you!

And now the rafflecopter entry (you may need to click MORE) to see that information.  Good luck and enjoy the product!

Fiafini Skincare Giveaway

 

I have teamed up with Beauty Brite to co-host the Fiafini Skincare Giveaway. Be sure to read her review here. This giveaway is for the Delicate Cleansing Emulsion 4.0 fl oz, Divine Hydration Moisturizer 1.7 fl oz, and the Deluxe Anti-Aging Eye Cream 0.5 fl oz. (SRP $106).

GUEST BLOGGER: A Book-Worms thoughts on ereaders vs traditional books.

 

This image is used by permission from Hobbies on a Budget

     Guest blogger Sharon Williams writes:

I love to read! I am always in the middle of a book! I am a bookworm and proud of it! When I was young, I would toss a book in my backpack every day and read every time I had a couple extra minutes. When I would get home I would run to my special reading tree in the backyard or climb into the treehouse and get lost in the pages of a great adventure. As I got older my love for reading didn't go away. Even now, with three kids, I can always be found smack in the middle of a great story. However, the method in which I choose to read a book sometimes changes. There are some places in life that you just have to have a paper book. There's nothing quite like going to library searching through the shelves to find that perfect book that you're looking for. If the electricity goes out and you're stuck in a storm, you can still keep reading snuggled under a quilt with a mug of hot chocolate. No worrying about battery power!  

But what do you do when you plan a vacation?

In the days before e-readers, when we would go on a trip we would have to pack an extra suitcase or bookbag just for the extra books that I had to take. Because of course, I would finish reading my current book and would need my 2nd, 3rd or 4th book. Now with ereaders we have better options. I can easily download hundreds of free e-books on my little iTouch and have a portable library in my hand. Whichever device you choose, an e-reader offers you far greater options for traveling with your books.You can put your device in your pocket or purse and be ready for a big adventure. You can definitely not do this easily with traditional paperbacks.

Will ereaders replace traditional books?

There is a definite place for e-readers in the booklovers world. Will an ereader replace the paper books? Not a chance! To many people like me, the feel of a good book in my hand is never going to go away. But most people understand that convenience is sometimes more important than the feel of a page. I don't think it has to be a choice of whether you read your books in paper format or electronically. I think there's a place for both! I see a growing generation of readers who love electronics and love to read! If young 'techies' choose to read electronically instead of buying a paper book, why would I be upset. They are reading! You can never underestimate the power of a good story!

Sharon loves to blog about reading and ways to pursue your hobbies without breaking your budget at Hobbies on a Budget.

Love2EncourageYou 3K Facebook Fan Appreciation Giveaway

LOVE2ENCOURAGEYOU 3K FAN APPRECIATION GIVEAWAY!

Enter to WIN a Scentsy Plug In Warmer and Camu Camu Scentsy Bar!

It is my sincere pleasure to be celebrating this exciting event with you today! It is all because of YOU that this event is even possible! We have watched in the last week as our fan count on Facebook has doubled in just 7 days! How can I ever thank you? I am delighted to know so many are enjoying the posts, giveaways, freebies and pics. Please don't be a stranger..stop by and say hi anytime you are online and leave a comment on the Blog or Facebook Fan Page. You are the such a gift to me! Many blessings and all our best to the whole Love2EncourageYou family of readers!

Giveaway is open to residents of the USA. Must be 18 years or older. Disclaimer: This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter or Google. The items being given are from Rebecca, the author of Love2EncourageYou, and will be shipped by Rebecca to the giveaway winner. The winner will be chosen using random.org. Thank you so much to all the bloggers or businesses who helped promote this event! Special thanks to the following blogs for really being great friends and supporting me in every way! Share some luv and visit their sites too:

• Love2EncourageYou (host)
• Love2EncourageYou ORLANDO (host)
• Christina Serrano Ind Avon Rep 
• Jenn's Review Blog
• Mimi's Sweets
• Bonkers4Coupons

Many blessings, Rebecca @ Love2EncourageYou

FLASH $20 Amazon or PayPal Cash Giveaway

***FLASH GIVEAWAY TIME!***

TheItMom.com has teamed up with a team of other bloggers to bring you this $20 Amazon Gift Card -OR- $20 PayPal Cash FLASH GIVEAWAY (Winner’s Choice)! SUPER EASY ENTRY!

Simply enter through the Rafflecopter below for your chance!

This giveaway ends at 9:01pm PST on Monday, April 16th | 12:01am EST (April 17th)

*NOTE: This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook.

RC HTML CODE:

Ham and Cheese Omelette and Homemade Onion Cheese Bread

(ingredients for the omelette)

Last night we had a homemade Boboli Pizza again and John made it so it was a little different than the one we made together and quite good so I chose to use the leftovers and add a little twist to the omelette today.  I have osteoporosis so I am always looking for ways to get more calcium into my diet. So today we have fat-free yogurt!

Egg Beaters Ham and Laughing Cow Cheese Omelette

 

Ingredients:

1/2 cup egg beaters

10 button mushrooms (sliced)

2 tbl. sliced black olives

2 tbl. parmesan cheese

2 Laughing Cow Light Blue Cheese Wedges

1 piece of ham steak fat free

2 tbl organic low-fat milk

1 tlb. fat-free yogurt

All ingredients in the bowl ready to mix now and pour into non-stick prepared frying pan.

 

Slice two pieces of homemade onion cheese bread.  Recipe for bread given below this omelette section.

Add some Oxnard, Calif. (our home!) grown strawberries to the platter and you have breakfast for TWO!

Trio of Books Giveaway

Bloggers Helping Bloggers present a trio of books for your reading fun! The Discovery How well do you know your family tree? Sometimes the stories of the past are too painful or even dangerous to be revealed. That’s the situation Marilyn and Michael find themselves in when their beloved, famous grandfather passes away. Why do they not know where he came from? Why are there no pictures of him when he was a kid or when he and his wife of so many decades were married? Who was he before he became their grandfather? 

These are the questions that the two sibling need to know. What will they find? Is it a mystery to be uncoverd or a secret to be kept? Read the rest of the review of The Discovery. Special Delivery The book is a fairly quick read, and you will be glad it is, as it is a real page turner. I had my heart in my stomach, and could not put this book down. The book is mainly Mara and Lawan's stories, who we met in Deliver Me From Evil. There is so much Evil in this world, and it is still touching these girls. Mara has tried to move on with her life, she is working as a waitress, and spots a girl with a man, and she just knows what is going on. Read the rest of the review of Special Delivery.

 Peace Pilgrim From 1953 to 1981 a silver haired woman calling herself only "Peace Pilgrim" walked more than 25,000 miles on a personal pilgrimage for peace. She vowed to "remain a wanderer until mankind has learned the way of peace, walking until given shelter and fasting until given food." In the course of her 28 year pilgrimage she touched the hearts, minds, and lives of thousands of individuals all across North America. Her message was both simple and profound. It continues to inspire people all over the world. Thanks to Hobbies on a Budget, Conversations with Carolyn and Musings my Maureen for offering these prizes. a Rafflecopter giveaway